The Retention Stack — Science-Backed Supplements for Male Optimization
From The Retention Protocol

THE RETENTION STACK

The exact supplements referenced in The Retention Protocol — every brand, dose, and timing backed by the studies we cited.

41 studies reviewed • 8 research domains • Zero filler ingredients

7
Supplements
41
Studies Cited
~$65
Monthly Cost
0
Proprietary Blends
The Complete Stack

Every Supplement. Every Study.

Ranked by evidence strength. We only recommend what the research supports — and we tell you exactly how strong that research is.

01 — FLAGSHIP ADAPTOGEN
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
Root Extract — Standardized to ≥5% Withanolides
The strongest supplement evidence in this entire stack. Three separate RCTs show 14.7% testosterone increase vs. placebo (Lopresti 2019), +96 ng/dL with resistance training (Wankhede 2015), and significant serum T increase at 600mg/day (Chauhan 2022). Works primarily through cortisol reduction — lowering HPA axis suppression of testosterone.
Strong — 3 RCTs
Cortisol ↓Testosterone ↑DHEA-S ↑Stress ↓
600mg / day
300mg AM + 300mg PM
Get KSM-66
02 — HORMONAL PRECURSOR
Vitamin D3
Cholecalciferol — Oil-Based Softgel
Pilz et al. (2011) RCT: 3,332 IU/day for 12 months increased total testosterone from 10.7 to 13.4 nmol/L vs. placebo in vitamin D-deficient men. The male reproductive tract is a target tissue for vitamin D. Most effective when correcting an existing deficiency — and an estimated 42% of US adults are deficient.
Strong — RCT + Observational
Total T ↑Free T ↑Bone DensityImmune
3,000–5,000 IU
Morning with fat source
Get Vitamin D3
03 — SLEEP + T SUPPORT
Magnesium Glycinate
Chelated Glycinate — High Bioavailability
Cinar et al. (2011): 450mg/day increased testosterone by 24% in 4 weeks in physically active men. Magnesium displaces testosterone from SHBG binding, increasing free (bioavailable) testosterone. Also supports deep sleep — critical since the majority of daily testosterone is produced during sleep (Leproult 2011).
Strong — RCT + Mechanism
Free T ↑Sleep Quality ↑Cortisol ↓300+ Enzymes
200–400mg
Before bed
Get Magnesium
04 — TESTOSTERONE SYNTHESIS
Zinc Picolinate
Picolinate — Superior Absorption vs. Oxide
Prasad et al. (1996): Marginal zinc deficiency nearly halved testosterone over 6 months. Supplementation in deficient older men nearly doubled serum T from 8.3 to 16 nmol/L. Zinc is directly involved in Leydig cell function and testosterone synthesis. Also inhibits aromatase, reducing testosterone-to-estrogen conversion.
Moderate — Deficiency Correction